Imagine walking on hot asphalt in your bare feet! Hot asphalt is just as dangerous and painful for our beloved dogs. And burned feet is just one of many dangers that pets face when temperatures soar. It’s easy and important to make sure that your pets, indoors or outdoors, will be safe from the hot and hazy days of summer.
TEMPERATURE
Anything above 85 degrees can pose a risk of heat exhaustion and stroke. Temps above 90 can be highly dangerous. Even temperatures from 70 - 85 degrees can pose risks of overheating and heat exhaustion, especially during any strenuous playtime or exercise.
Solutions:
- Limit outdoor time and activity. Walk in cooler times of the day.
- AWAYS carry water. Some pet water bottles have a fold down bowl. Keep a collapsible bowl in your car or bag.
- Let dogs rest in the shade during walks.
- Step into air conditioning to allow dogs to cool down.
- Never over-exercise, especially during peak sun hours.
If you see any of the many signs of heat stress (for example, excessive panting, thick or sticky drool, bright red or pale gums, unusual lethargy or restlessness), treat immediately.
HOT PAVEMENT AND ASPHALT
On an 85 degree day, asphalt can reach a temperature of over 130 degrees! To test it yourself, put your foot or hand on the asphalt for 5-10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paw pads.
Solutions:
- Get quality dog shoes or all-terrain boots. Learn how to properly fit your dog for shoes or boots. Try them on. Be prepared to introduce them slowly to dogs indoors, first. Add play time and treats to help the adjustment.
- Keep dogs’ paw pads moisturized to prevent cracking. When dry, they’re more susceptible to burning.
CAR TRAVEL
Never, repeat, NEVER, leave a dog in a hot car. If you cannot bring a dog inside with you if you plan to leave your car, then just don’t stop. Hundreds and possibly thousands of pets die when left in overheated cars each year.
COOLING GEAR
- Cooling vests that soak in water and are wrung out before wearing
- For larger and working dog breeds, ice pack vests
- Cooling bandanas and cooling harnesses.
- Hats shield their heads from solar radiation and provide shade for their sensitive eyes, face, and ears.
INDOORS ON HOT DAYS
- It may be necessary to keep the air conditioner running when you’re not home. If you would be warm and would overheat with no a/c, so will your pet.
- Utilize pet cooling mats, some filled with gel or water.
PROTECTIVE FUR
Never shave a pet completely. A light trim is fine, but their coats act as natural insulators.
A few popular items from our website to protect your pet:
Green Waves Portable Pet Water Bottle
https://petmarketnyc.com/products/green-waves-portable-pet-water-bottle-white10-oz
Messy Mutts Collapsible Silicone Dog Bowl - Includes a clip to attach to any bag or pet carrier
https://petmarketnyc.com/products/messy-mutts-travel-water-bowl?variant=49939122192673
Wagwear Wellies (think, “Crocs”) - the perfect summer ventilated dog shoes to protect paw pads
https://petmarketnyc.com/products/wagwear-wellies-mojave-sage-medium
Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax - safe to lick, prevents drying and cracking from both snow and hot pavement
https://petmarketnyc.com/products/mushers-secret?variant=49926306365729